FIFA World Cup: Portugal held to draw by DR Congo
What's the story
Portugal's campaign in the 2026 FIFA World Cup got off to a disappointing start as they settled for a 1-1 draw against DR Congo. The match, which took place in Houston, saw Cristiano Ronaldo miss two golden opportunities that could have given his team the much-needed victory. Joao Neves had given Portugal an early lead with a well-placed header in the sixth minute but it was their only shot on target throughout the match.
Match highlights
DR Congo get their 1st-ever World Cup goal
DR Congo, however, proved resilient and got their first-ever World Cup goal through Newcastle's Yoane Wissa. The goal came as a reward for their persistence and helped them secure a remarkable point in their first tournament appearance since 1974. Portugal had another goal disallowed for offside in the second half when Cancelo's bicycle kick was ruled out.
Key moments
Ronaldo misses 2 golden opportunities
Ronaldo had two clear chances to score but failed to convert them. The first came from a close-range volley that went wide, while the second was blocked by a defender. Despite Portugal's dominance in possession, they struggled to break through DR Congo's solid defense and turn their control into goals. Bruno Fernandes also missed a golden opportunity from the edge of the box late in the match, further adding to Portugal's frustration.
Defensive strategy
How did the teams fare?
DR Congo's defense stood strong against Portugal's attacks, denying them clear goal-scoring opportunities. The Congolese side, making their first World Cup appearance in 52 years, frustrated the Portuguese team with their disciplined defensive display. Despite controlling the ball for most of the match and having more possession than their opponents, Portugal couldn't find a way past DR Congo's resolute backline.
Information
Ronaldo goalless in 10 consecutive games (major tournaments) for Portugal
As per Opta, Ronaldo has now 10 consecutive games in major tournaments without scoring. It's the longest run of his international career. As per Squawka, Ronaldo had 25 touches in the contest and completed 19/21 passes. He managed 5 touches in the opposition box.
Do you know?
Neves becomes third-youngest Portuguese scorer at the World Cup
As per Opta, Neves is now the third-youngest Portuguese scorer at the World Cup (21 years, 263 days), behind Ronaldo in 2006 (21 years, 132 days) and Goncalo Ramos in 2022 (21 years, 169 days).
Records
Notable records from the contest
Portugal's seven shots against DR Congo were their joint-fewest in a FIFA World Cup match (also 7 vs Korea Republic in 2002). Ronaldo's 25 touches were his fewest in a major tournament game for Portugal when he played the full 90 minutes. Wissa scored Congo's first ever FIFA World Cup goal. It's the first time a country's first goal has been scored by a player who plays for a Premier League club since Everton's Tim Cahill scored for Australia in 2006.
Do you know?
41-year-old Ronaldo attains these feats
Aged 41 years and 132 days, Ronaldo became the oldest outfield player to start a match in FIFA World Cup history. Meanwhile, he also became the fourth-oldest player in World Cup history.